Glenn Hopkins, the man accused of stabbing a Muni passenger who purportedly intervened on behalf of two women last week, pleaded not guilty Monday to attempted murder and other charges and was ordered to remain in jail without bail.
Hopkins, 44, denied the charges during his arraignment at the Hall of Justice. His attorney, Deputy Public Defender Leo Fissel, told the court the defense was not yet asking for his release but could do so later. Fissel also asserted Hopkins’ right to a speedy trial.
Judge John D. Echeverria ruled that Hopkins should remain in custody, saying there was strong evidence supporting the charges and that releasing him could put other people at risk.
In explaining the decision, Echeverria noted that Hopkins was on parole at the time of the alleged Sept. 23 attack and has several pending cases involving alleged violations of court orders.
Hopkins is accused of pulling a box cutter and repeatedly swinging it at a passenger’s neck and throat after the man stepped between Hopkins and two women aboard a Muni bus in SoMa, according to District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.
Prosecutors have charged Hopkins with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon against a public transit passenger, along with allegations that he used a deadly weapon and caused serious injury.
The judge also issued an order barring Hopkins from contacting Robert Meza or coming within 100 yards of him if Hopkins is later released from custody. Deputy District Attorney Blake Hyde subsequently confirmed to reporters after the hearing that Meza is the stabbing victim. Meza, who was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after the attack, is expected to survive, according to Jenkins.
A preliminary hearing, during which a judge will decide whether there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial, is scheduled for Oct. 8 at 9 a.m.
